New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 30th Match Group 1

Well, two low scoring thrillers round up today's double-header. First Netherlands got that elusive win that they deserved against England and in the second Sri Lanka booked their place in the semis by beating New Zealand. We have two more games in the group stage. Two teams, Australia and Bangladesh, that are yet to win a game take on each other. Then it is the knock-out match between Pakistan and West Indies, the winner will go through to the semis. Join us for both the games. Until then, take care and Cya!

Malinga: "This wicket was a bit slow. I trust my spinners. Rangana bowled well. He was unbelievable in this quarter-final match. I am really lucky to captain this match. Mahela, Sanga and Dilshan helped me out. Rangana was waiting for the chance. He proved himself today for Sri Lanka. Sekkuge and Mendis are also waiting for their opportunities. Thirimanne also played well today. We are looking forward to the next two games"

McCullum: "Look, we still knew we had to do a lot of hard work at the halfway mark. The wicket was a lot drier than rest of the games here. It did not skid on as we expected it to. Lot of credit to Herath and Sena. They got eight wickets between them for like 10 runs. Congratulations to Sri Lanka. There was pressure on us. We did not adapt to the conditions, we played mindless cricket. We took poor options and that's why we are on the plane today. That is why Sri Lanka go to the semis."

Herath: "I realised that we needed to get quick wickets. I just put the ball in the right place. Luckily, there was no dew today. we had a bad game against England. Malinga just wanted me to do what I can do."

Rangana Herath is the Man of the Match for his splendid figures of 5 for 3.

The Sri Lankan bowling revolved around one man, i.e Rangana Herath. He bamboozled the batsmen with his variations. The pitch too played its part in helping the spinner. With 5 wickets for 3 runs he now has the best figures in this T20 Cup. Senanayake supported him well as he accounted for 2 wickets. The fielding was top notch and a mention should be made for the captaincy. It was not Malinga who marshalled the troops on the field, it was Mahela who took charge and set some attacking fields. Sri Lanka have once again made it to the T20 Cup semi-final. Stay tuned for the presentation....

The celebrations have started and all the players come together and hug each other. They know how well they have bowled to defend such a low target. Everybody congratulating the man of the moment, Herath who bowled a dream spell to take his team to the semis. The Kiwi batsmen never looked comfortable. They were first tied up by Kulasekara and once Herath came on it was a procession. None of the batters could pick him. Williamson fought a lone battle but he too perished towards the fag end. In the end, New Zealand were bowled out for their lowest total in T20Is.

15.3 Herath to Boult, out Caught by M Jayawardene!! Sri Lanka have pulled off a special win, they win by 59 runs. This was slower and outside off, Boult comes down the track and was trying to go big, since he was not to the pitch of the ball, he tries to block, in the end he ends up guiding it straight into Mahela at slip. Herath picks up his fifth wicket, it his best figures in T20Is.Boult c M Jayawardene b Herath 3(8)

Herath to Boult, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

15.2 Herath to Boult, no run, floated on the stumps, Boult leans forward and blocks

Mitchell McClenaghan, left handed bat, comes to the crease

15.1 Herath to Boult, out Williamson Run Out!! 1 run completed. That is game set and match. Another confusion leads to the well set Williamson being run-out. Tossed up delivery on middle, Boult tries to work it to the on-side, he gets a leading edge to sweeper cover, Williamson didn't want the second but Boult was charging back, Mathews throws the ball to Herath who does the rest. Williamson was nowhere in the picture. Williamson run out (Mathews/Herath) 42(43) [4s-6]

Herath to Boult, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Williamson is run-out!

Herath to bowl his final over...

Rangana Herath [3.0-2-2-4] is back into the attack

14.6 Malinga to Boult, 1 run, yorker which dips in, Boult does well to get his bat down in time and keep it out, he gets it down to fine leg

Anderson will surely not come out to bat.

14.5 Malinga to Williamson, 1 run, toe-crushing yorker, Williamson gets his left leg out of the way and flicks it to backward square leg

14.4 Malinga to Williamson, FOUR, yorker but wrong line, it is well down leg, Williamson leans forward and tickles it to the fine leg fence. They need plenty of this, if they have to win this match

14.3 Malinga to Boult, 1 run, back of a length on the body, Boult tucks it to the leg-side and gets off strike

Mahela seems to be the man in charge of all the moves made on the field. He is been seen waving his arm around setting the field

14.2 Malinga to Williamson, 1 run, another cutter from Malinga, Williamson chips it down to long on

14.1 Malinga to Williamson, no run, starts with a slower on off, Williamson reads it well and knocks it to the on-side

Lasith Malinga [1.0-0-5-0] is back into the attack

13.6 Senanayake to Boult, no run, slightly short and outside off, Boult lets it go through to Sangakkara

13.5 Senanayake to Boult, no run, goes straight on outside off, Boult shuffles across and is beaten all ends up

13.4 Senanayake to Boult, no run, throws this up on off, Boult gets his foot out of the way and jams it

Trent Boult, right handed bat, comes to the crease

13.3 Senanayake to Mills, out Lbw!! What was Mills trying to do there? A reverse sweep at this stage! Flighted delivery that turned in, Mills goes on his knees and tries to reverse sweep, he misses and is struck on the pads, umpire Tucker took his time before raising his finger. The replays show that it was missing leg-stump, so Mills was unlucky there. Mills lbw b Senanayake 4(9) [4s-1]

Senanayake to Mills, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

13.2 Senanayake to Williamson, 1 run, quicker and on off, Williamson punches it off the front foot to long on

13.1 Senanayake to Williamson, no run, skids on after pitching, Williamson misses out on the cut shot, he was beaten for pace

12.6 Mathews to Mills, no run, bouncer angling in, Mills goes for the hook but does not connect

12.5 Mathews to Mills, FOUR, fuller and well wide of off, Mills comes forward and creams the drive to the deep extra cover fence, the timing was superb as the sweeper fielder had no chance of stopping that

12.4 Mathews to Williamson, 1 run, length delivery just outside off, Williamson makes room and chops it to short third man. That came off the toe-end and he has asked for a change of bat

12.3 Mathews to Williamson, no run, back of a length close to off, Williamson knocks it to cover

The previous two shots has prompted Sanga to come up to the stumps...

12.2 Mathews to Williamson, FOUR, Williamson has decided to take on Mathews, short delivery on the stumps, it just sat up to be hit, Williamson does not miss out as he swivels and pulls it behind square for a boundary

12.1 Mathews to Williamson, 2 runs, pitched up outside off, Williamson gives charge, drills the drive in the air past Mathews, Mahela does the tiding up in the deep

11.6 Senanayake to Mills, no run, gives this plenty of air outside off, Mills resists his temptation as he jams it to cover

11.1 Senanayake to Williamson, no run, pushed through on off, Williamson punches it back to the bowler

10.6 Mathews to Mills, no run, fuller and outside off, Mills drives and again finds Dilshan

10.5 Mathews to Mills, no run, short and width provided, Mills cuts but picks out Dilshan at backward point

10.4 Mathews to Williamson, 1 run, change of pace from Mathews, Williamson gets to the pitch of the ball and clips it to long on

10.3 Mathews to Williamson, FOUR, much needed boundary for the Kiwis, banged in short and on the stumps, Williamson charges down the wicket and pulls it off the splice of the bat over Mathews, Malinga chases but the ball wins the race

10.2 Mathews to Williamson, no run, fuller and close to off, Williamson comes forward and dabs it with an angled bat to backward point

10.1 Mathews to Williamson, no run, short of length on off, Williamson pats it in front of backward point

9.6 Senanayake to Mills, no run, this was the carrom ball, Mills hangs on the back foot and defends it to the off-side

9.4 Senanayake to Mills, no run, slightly quicker and on the stumps, Mills hangs back and turns it to short leg

Kyle Mills, right handed bat, comes to the crease

9.3 Senanayake to Nathan McCullum, out Caught by Mathews!! New Zealand just falling apart. This was a very soft dismissal. A flighted delivery just outside off, McCullum moves across his stumps and chips it straight to mid wicket, Mathews takes the simplest of catches. This delivery too just didn't come on to the bat. Nathan McCullum c Mathews b Senanayake 2(9)

Senanayake to Nathan McCullum, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

9.2 Senanayake to Williamson, 1 run, flatter and on the stumps, Williamson works it wide of mid wicket

9.1 Senanayake to Williamson, no run, this one sticks it onto the pitch, Williamson is early into the shot, he chips it just short of mid wicket

Sachithra Senanayake, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

Senanayake also has a slip and short leg in place...

8.6 Mathews to Nathan McCullum, no run, good length ball around off, McCullum stays in his crease and defends it back to Mathews

8.5 Mathews to Williamson, 1 run, drags the length back again outside off, Williamson stands tall and punches it to square third man

8.4 Mathews to Nathan McCullum, 1 run, touch short and close to off, McCullum tucks it in front of mid-on and takes a quick single

8.3 Mathews to Nathan McCullum, no run, again back of a length on off and middle, McCullum gets behind and defends it back to Mathews

8.2 Mathews to Nathan McCullum, no run, short of length just outside off, McCullum goes back and knocks it to backward point. No loose deliveries on offer, this is looking like a Test match now

8.1 Mathews to Nathan McCullum, no run, back of a length on off, McCullum stays back and taps it towards cover

Angelo Mathews [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack

7.6 Herath to Nathan McCullum, 1 run, slower and around off, McCullum moves across his stumps and nudges it to mid-on. Another magnificent over from the left-arm spinner

7.5 Herath to Nathan McCullum, no run, floated outside off, McCullum shuffles across and guides it to backward point

7.4 Herath to Nathan McCullum, no run, throws this up outside off, McCullum walks across his stumps and turns it softly to the on-side

Nathan McCullum, right handed bat, comes to the crease

7.3 Herath to Ronchi, out Lbw!! Herath is single-handedly taking Sri Lanka into the semis. What can you say about this delivery! Tossed up delivery, pitches it on middle and leg-stump and turns away, Ronchi plays down the wrong line and is hit on the back pad, that looked plumb and umpire Tucker makes the most easiest decision this evening. Ronchi lbw b Herath 2(4)

Herath to Ronchi, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

7.2 Herath to Williamson, 1 run, first run off Herath! Drags the length back slightly, Williamson nudges it to mid wicket

7.1 Herath to Williamson, no run, tossed up on off, Williamson presses forward and blocks it well, he watched the ball till the last second

Hat-trick ball coming up from Herath....

6.6 Malinga to Williamson, 1 run, slower ball outside off, Williamson dabs it wide of backward point and collects an easy single

6.5 Malinga to Ronchi, 1 run, touch short and some width on offer, Ronchi goes back and punches it to backward point, Dilshan makes a half stop

6.4 Malinga to Williamson, 1 run, slower yorker but the line is on leg-stump, Williamson clips it away to fine leg

6.3 Malinga to Ronchi, 1 run, short of length on the leg-stump, Ronchi tickles it down to fine leg

6.2 Malinga to Ronchi, no run, again slightly short in length, Ronchi gets behind it and knocks it to cover

6.1 Malinga to Williamson, 1 run, back of a length on the stumps, Williamson tucks it to deep backward square leg

Lasith Malinga, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

Luke Ronchi, right handed bat, comes to the crease

5.6 Herath to Neesham, out Bowled!! Herath is on fire as he picks up his 3rd and is yet to concede a run. Another absolute jaffa! Flighted outside off and gets it to turn in, Neesham comes on the front foot and looks to drive, he leaves a huge gap between bat-pad for the ball to sneak through and hit the stumps. He is on a hat-trick. Neesham b Herath 0(1)

Herath to Neesham, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

James Neesham, left handed bat, comes to the crease

5.5 Herath to Ross Taylor, out Lbw!! Well this time he has got his man. Taylor goes for a duck and New Zealand are slipping. Another beauty from Herath, he set him up nicely, after two tossed up deliveries, he pushes this through, Taylor does not pick it as he comes forward and tries to defend, the ball hits the pads and this time umpire Tucker obliges. The ball was going onto hit the leg-stump. Ross Taylor lbw b Herath 0(5)

Herath to Ross Taylor, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

5.4 Herath to Ross Taylor, no run, another big appeal for LBW! That looked OUT, tossed up delivery on the stumps, Taylor walks onto the shot, the ball turns away and hits him on the back leg, that was hitting off-stump, umpire Tucker got that wrong

5.3 Herath to Ross Taylor, no run, loud shout for catch at short leg! The arm-ball from Herath, Taylor comes forward to defend but misses, the ball lobs off the pads to short leg, good decision

5.2 Herath to Ross Taylor, no run, flighted on off, Taylor gets it off thickish edge to cover-point

Sri Lanka on the attack, slip and short leg in place

5.1 Herath to Ross Taylor, no run, throws this up on off, Taylor presses forward and defends it

4.6 N Kulasekara to Williamson, FOUR, why would you bowl short when you are swinging the ball by pitching it up? Banged in short and around off, Williamson rocks back and quickly and pulls it in front of square. A much needed boundary for New Zealand

4.3 N Kulasekara to Williamson, no run, another big inswinger, Williamson leans forward and gets an inside edge onto the back thigh pad

4.2 N Kulasekara to Williamson, no run, fuller and nipping back in, Williamson comes forward and blocks it well

4.2 N Kulasekara to Williamson, wide, full and well wide of off, Williamson lets it go and wide called

4.1 N Kulasekara to Williamson, no run, back of a length just outside off, Williamson stands tall and punches it to backward point

Ross Taylor, right handed bat, comes to the crease

3.6 Herath to Brendon McCullum, out Stumped!! Sri Lanka are making life difficult for the Kiwi batsmen. McCullum tries to take the bull by the horn and perishes. This was brilliantly bowled from Herath, gently tossed up and turning away, McCullum dances down the wicket and is committed to play the big shot, he is beaten by the turn and Sangakkara does the rest. Brendon McCullum st Sangakkara b Herath 0(5)

Herath to Brendon McCullum, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!

3.5 Herath to Brendon McCullum, no run, huge shout for LBW! This was the skidder from round the wicket, McCullum presses forward and is rapped on the pads, the ball heading down leg

3.4 Herath to Brendon McCullum, no run, floated on off, McCullum comes on the front foot and defends it to cover

A slip and short leg in place for McCullum

3.3 Herath to Brendon McCullum, no run, too full and on middle, McCullum digs it out to the on-side

3.2 Herath to Brendon McCullum, no run, flighted around off, McCullum pushes it to cover

Brendon McCullum, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Anderson who hurt his finger while fielding has gone to the hospital and will not bat. That is bad news for the Kiwis

3.1 Herath to Guptill, out Guptill Run Out!! A total mix-up between the two men results in Guptill walking back to the hut. This was a tossed up delivery on the stumps, Guptill pushes it to the right of the bowler and wants the single, he is half way down the wicket, Herath is alert as he runs across and stops the ball, he throws the ball back to Sanga who takes the bails off. Guptill was stranded mid-way down the pitch. There was never a single in that. Guptill run out (Herath/Sangakkara) 5(9)

Herath to Guptill, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Guptill is OUT!

Rangana Herath, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

2.6 N Kulasekara to Williamson, no run, was that a drop from Sangakkara? The reactions don't seem that way, but there was certainly some noise, fuller and straightening around off, Williamson looks to defend but misses.

2.5 N Kulasekara to Williamson, no run, another indipper from Kulasekara, Williamson gets some wood onto the pads, that would have been close had he missed

2.3 N Kulasekara to Williamson, no run, an optimistic appeal for LBW! This was another inswinging delivery form a length, Williamson hangs back and gets an inside edge onto the pads, umpire Dar got that spot on

2.3 N Kulasekara to Williamson, wide, strays down leg, Williamson fails to get bat on that and Aleem Dar signals a wide

2.1 N Kulasekara to Guptill, no run, touch short and just outside off, Guptill tries to force it off the back foot, the ball goes off the outside edge to cover-point

1.6 Mathews to Williamson, FOUR, poor delivery to end the over, length delivery and sliding down leg, Williamson gets in line and helps it on its way, the short fine leg was inside the ring and it was easy pickings

1.5 Mathews to Williamson, 2 runs, cutter which is short of length, Williamson stays back and plays it with loose hands to mid wicket, easy two

1.4 Mathews to Guptill, 1 run, back of a length around off, Guptill hangs back and pushes it in front of mid-on, he scampers through for a quick single

1.3 Mathews to Guptill, no run, good length ball on off, Guptill comes slightly forward and knocks it to the on-side

1.2 Mathews to Williamson, 1 run, drags the length back, Williamson has ample time to get back and pull it to deep square leg

Sangakkara comes up to the stumps...

1.1 Mathews to Williamson, no run, Williamson has decided to make the most of the powerplay, he comes down the track and looks to drive the off-cutter, the ball goes off the inside edge to Sanga, fine stop by him

Angelo Mathews, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 N Kulasekara to Guptill, no run, pitched up and closer to off-stump, Guptill covers the line and shoulders arms

0.4 N Kulasekara to Williamson, 1 run, on a length and jagging away outside off, Williamson has a waft at that, the ball squirts off the outside edge to third man, he just gets it wide of the slip fielder

0.3 N Kulasekara to Williamson, no run, fuller and teasing line around off, Williamson resists and lets it go through to Sangakkara

0.2 N Kulasekara to Guptill, 1 run, hint of inswing this time, Guptill gets inside the line and works it to backward square leg

A slip in place...

0.1 N Kulasekara to Guptill, no run, good length ball just outside off, no swing there for Kulasekara, Guptill has a feel for it away from the body and is beaten

Guptill and Williamson are at the crease. Guptill is on strike. N Kulasekara will open the attack

Welcome back..

Boult: "Obviously, it is pretty satisfying. The team has done one heck of a job to restrict Sri Lanka to a low total. Half the job done. It was a skiddy wicket. We tried to manipulate the swing early on. It's pretty wet out there. This is my first night game. We would have taken 119 at the start of the game. It is up to the batters now."

Sri Lanka never got going after being asked to bat first. Kusal Perera was a tad unlucky, but Dilshan and Sangakkara, for all their experience played in a shocking manner. The middle order was put under pressure, Mahela, Thirimanne and Mathews fell trying to lift the scoring rate. Thisara and Senanayake biffed some blows during the end overs, but New Zealand will take 119 on any day. Boult was the star performer with three wickets, and the rest chipped in with useful scalps. NZ will fancy this chase, but cricket is a funny game. Join us in a while for the chase.

19.2 Neesham to Malinga, out Bowled!! Neesham has three wickets to his name, a first ball duck for the Sri Lanka captain. Malinga was backing away, Neesham followed him, Malinga looks to whip and misses, the ball hits the pad and deflects back onto the stumps. SL have been bowled out for 119.Malinga b Neesham 0(1)

Neesham to Malinga, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Lasith Malinga, right handed bat, comes to the crease

19.1 Neesham to Senanayake, out Caught by Williamson!! Neesham gets away with another poor ball, this was a juicy full toss, well outside off as well. Senanayake was looking to crack it to the right of point, he does not get the elevation right. Williamson dives across to his right and snaffles a good catch. A sheepish smile from the bowler, he knows he got lucky. Senanayake c Williamson b Neesham 17(11) [4s-1 6s-1]

Neesham to Senanayake, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

18.6 Mills to Senanayake, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, steered towards backward point for a single

18.5 Mills to Senanayake, no run, Herath gets lucky again, this was short and just outside off, Senanayake punched it towards backward point, Herath set off for a single, Senanayake started and then stopped. Herath had no chance of getting back. Williamson throws it towards the bowler, Mills collects, runs back and misses the stumps with Herath well short of his crease

18.4 Mills to Herath, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, pushed wide of mid-off for a single

18.3 Mills to Senanayake, 1 run, a direct hit would have had Herath well short. This was short and just outside off, Senanayake ran it towards McClenaghan at short third man and called for a quick single. A direct hit and Herath would have had to run all the way back to the dressing room

Rangana Herath, left handed bat, comes to the crease

18.2 Mills to T Perera, out Caught by Williamson!! Perera has been caught, this was the slower ball from Mills, he rolled his fingers over it. Perera went for the big slog, is way too early on the shot and gets a thick top-edge. Williamson circled around it at point and takes it with his fingers pointing up. T Perera c Williamson b Mills 16(13) [4s-3]

Mills to T Perera, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

18.1 Mills to T Perera, FOUR, short of a length and just outside off, Perera swings and gets a top edge, clears short third man and races away to the fence

17.6 Neesham to Senanayake, SIX, this is turning out to be a big over, Anderson has dropped the catch, palmed it over the ropes and seems to have also hurt his fingers. This was full and on the stumps, Senanayake gets forward and lifts it through the line, the timing is good but Anderson was there at long on, he leaps, gets a hand on that and palms it over. He has walked away to the dug out in some pain

17.5 Neesham to Senanayake, 2 runs, Neesham bangs one short and just outside off, Senanayake came down the track, makes room outside leg and slaps it wide of sweeper cover for a couple

17.4 Neesham to Senanayake, FOUR, nicely played by Senanayake, full and well outside off, Senanayake gets forward and lifts it over mid-off, one bounce and over the ropes for a boundary

17.3 Neesham to T Perera, 1 run, Neesham keeps it full and outside off, Perera looks to go over the top and slugs it towards long on, does not carry to the fielder in the deep

17.2 Neesham to T Perera, no run, the slower ball from Neesham, angled across the left hander, he goes for a big slog and misses

17.1 Neesham to Senanayake, 1 run, full and wide from Neesham, Senanayake drills it wide of mid-off for a single

James Neesham [1.0-0-8-1] is back into the attack

16.6 Mills to T Perera, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and shaping away, Perera goes for the big heave and misses

16.5 Mills to T Perera, FOUR, handy boundary for Perera, but that could have been so close to being curtains for him. This was full and just outside off, Perera made room and sliced it towards sweeper cover. Guptill came racing from the deep, puts in the dive and allows the ball to go through. Brendon applauds the effort of his fielder

16.4 Mills to T Perera, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and angling away, Perera throws his bat at that and misses, this has been that sort of a day for Sri Lanka

16.3 Mills to T Perera, no run, short of a length and shaping away from off, extra bounce on that for Mills, Perera pokes at that and misses

16.2 Mills to T Perera, no run, short of a length and angling across the left hander, Perera plays way too far from his body, nearly nicks it through to the keeper

16.1 Mills to Senanayake, 1 run, Senanayake shimmies down the track to a full ball and gets an inside edge behind square for a single

Kyle Mills [2.0-0-18-0] is back into the attack

15.6 McClenaghan to Senanayake, 1 run, on a good length and well outside off, Senanayake presses forward and defends it towards the off-side

15.5 McClenaghan to Senanayake, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Senanayake was late as he looked to dab it towards third man, does not get hold of the shot, the edge falls well in front of Taylor at 1st slip

Sachithra Senanayake, right handed bat, comes to the crease

15.4 McClenaghan to N Kulasekara, out Caught by Nathan McCullum!! The batsmen are finding the fielders regularly. A first ball duck for Kulasekara, this was pitched up and right in the slot for the drive. Kulasekara went for the off-drive, does not bother to keep it down and offers a sharp catch to Nathan at short cover. The 7th wicket is down, SL are in tatters. N Kulasekara c Nathan McCullum b McClenaghan 0(1)

McClenaghan to N Kulasekara, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

15.3 McClenaghan to T Perera, 1 run, McClenaghan keeps it full and on off, driven towards mid-on. Brendon McCullum makes a direct hit at the stumps, quite unnecessary and ends up conceding an extra run

15.2 McClenaghan to T Perera, 2 runs, this was full and wide from McClenaghan, Perera has the room to free his arms, he looks to go over cover and slices it over the fielder for a brace

15.1 McClenaghan to T Perera, FOUR, clubbed, full toss from McCleanaghan, Perera gets forward and drills it back over the bowler's head for a boundary

Nuwan Kulasekara, right handed bat, comes to the crease

14.6 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, out Bowled!! Jayawardene has been bowled round his legs, New Zealand can't do anything wrong today. McCullum fired this one flatter and on the leg stump line, Jayawardene went for the sweep, got too far across his stumps and misses. The leg stump takes a beating, MJ walks away in disappointment. M Jayawardene b Nathan McCullum 25(32) [4s-2]

Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

14.5 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, FOUR, nicely played by MJ, he chips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and lifts it wide of long on for a boundary, much needed for Sri Lanka

14.4 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, no run, flighted delivery and on off, Jayawardene drills it in the air, but the ball drops well in front of mid-wicket

14.3 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, no run, McCullum fires one full and on Jayawardene's pads, he looks to sweep and misses, an optimistic appeal for LBW is turned down

14.2 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, no run, once again Jayawardene goes for the sweep, and once again he can't get it past Taylor at short fine

14.1 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, no run, flighted and well outside leg, Jayawardene rolls his wrists and sweeps it straight to short fine

13.6 McClenaghan to T Perera, no run, Perera is greeted with a yorker, Perera gets his bat down and defends it towards mid-on

Thisara Perera, left handed bat, comes to the crease

13.5 McClenaghan to Mathews, out Caught by Ronchi!! New Zealand keep chipping away at the wickets. This was full and shaping away from off, Mathews saw the width on that, threw his bat and gets a thick edge through to the keeper. Ronchi does not make any mistake, SL slide further into trouble. Mathews c Ronchi b McClenaghan 6(10)

McClenaghan to Mathews, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

13.4 McClenaghan to M Jayawardene, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Jayawardene backs away and chops it down towards third man

13.4 McClenaghan to M Jayawardene, wide, McClenaghan goes short as Jayawardene was looking to move across his stumps, a tad too high though, wide called

13.3 McClenaghan to Mathews, 1 run, fuller length delivery and on off, pushed in front of mid-on for a single

13.2 McClenaghan to Mathews, no run, tad fuller and on off, Mathews presses across and defends it towards the off-side

13.1 McClenaghan to M Jayawardene, 1 run, on a good length and angling across MJ, he looks to drive and gets an inside edge towards mid-on

Mitchell McClenaghan [2.0-0-12-0] is back into the attack

12.6 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, 1 run, the reverse sweep from Jayawardene, does not get hold of the shot, the ball rolls away wide of Mills at short third man, Jayawardene gets a single for his efforts

12.5 Nathan McCullum to Mathews, 1 run, McCullum flights one on middle, driven down to long on for a single

12.4 Nathan McCullum to Mathews, no run, flatter and on the stumps, turned towards the on-side

12.3 Nathan McCullum to M Jayawardene, 1 run, flighted and on off, worked in front of point for a single

12.2 Nathan McCullum to Mathews, 1 run, floated and on off, Mathews was looking to nudge it round the corner, gets a leading edge wide of cover

12.1 Nathan McCullum to Mathews, no run, McCullum comes from round the wicket and pushes one across Mathews, he looks to defend and gets an outside edge towards short third man

Nathan McCullum, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

11.6 Neesham to Mathews, 1 run, Williamson has saved at least one run there, this was short and wide from Neesham, Mathews cracks it hard and to the left of backward point. Kane dives full length and palms it away towards third man

11.5 Neesham to Mathews, no run, rush of blood from Mathews, charges down the track to a length ball and misses his swing

11.4 Neesham to Mathews, 2 runs, yorker length delivery and on the stumps, Mathews clips it behind square and gets back for the second run

11.3 Neesham to M Jayawardene, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Jayawardene plays with an open face and guides it wide of Taylor at 1st slip, just a single to third man

11.2 Neesham to M Jayawardene, FOUR, too straight from Neesham, ends erring onto Jayawardene's pads, he gets inside the line and flicks it past the diving keeper for a boundary

Angelo Mathews, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11.1 Neesham to Thirimanne, out Caught by Guptill!! Neesham strikes with his first ball. This was a gentle loosener, short and well outside off. Thirimanne was looking to go over cover, he generates no power behind the shot and offers a dolly to Guptill rushing in from the deep. Almost catching practise, wonder what the plan was behind the shot? Thirimanne c Guptill b Neesham 20(18) [4s-3]

Neesham to Thirimanne, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

James Neesham, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

10.6 Corey Anderson to Thirimanne, 1 run, slower ball from Anderson, Thirimanne was way too early on the slog, gets a thick inside edge behind square for a single

10.5 Corey Anderson to Thirimanne, 2 runs, short of a length and just outside off, Thirimanne opens the face of the bat at the last moment and angles it behind point for a brace

10.4 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, 1 run, Anderson nips one onto Jayawardene's pads, tucked towards square leg. Anderson goes after it and keeps them down to a run

10.3 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, no run, short of a length and angling away, Jayawardene backs away and mistimes the cut towards point

10.3 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, wide, the attempted slower ball from Anderson, slips way outside the tramlines, wide called

10.2 Corey Anderson to Thirimanne, 1 run, full and on Thirimanne's pads, clipped behind square for a single

10.1 Corey Anderson to Thirimanne, FOUR, just over mid-on, this was full and on the stumps, Thirimanne gets forward and looks to go over mid-on, Brendon McCullum back pedals and leaps at the ball, it just evades him and races away to the fence

9.6 McClenaghan to M Jayawardene, 2 runs, full and on off, Jayawardene leans forward and flicks it away wide of mid-wicket for a brace. SL limp across to 55/3 at the half-way stage

9.5 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, 1 run, width on offer from McClenaghan, Thirimanne cuts it square past point for a single

9.4 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, no run, McClenaghan shortens his length on off, Thirimanne gets across and defends it

9.2 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, 1 run, tad fuller and on the stumps, worked in front of square on the on-side for a single

9.1 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, no run, now McClenaghan goes past the outside edge of Thirimanne, on a good length and shaping away from off, Thirimanne pokes at that and misses

Mitchell McClenaghan [1.0-0-7-0] is back into the attack

8.6 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, no run, almost chopped on, this is some bowling by Anderson, shortens the length and gets it to shape back into MJ. He was cramped for room, gets a faint inside edge that goes past the off-stump

8.5 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, no run, the cutter from Anderson, rolled his fingers across this one, draws an uncertain poke from Jayawardene, brushes past the outside edge

8.4 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, no run, good short ball from Anderson, the line was well outside off as well. Jayawardene was looking to pull, changes his mind at the last moment and looks to ramp it over the lone slip, ends up doing nothing

8.3 Corey Anderson to Thirimanne, 1 run, length ball on the pads, tucked away wide of mid-wicket for a single

8.2 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, 1 run, on a good length and well outside off, Jayawardene leans into the drive. The fielder at extra cover dives to his right and palms it away towards mid-off

8.1 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, no run, full and wide from Anderson, Jayawardene goes chasing after that and is beaten

Corey Anderson [1.0-0-1-0] is back into the attack

7.6 Boult to Thirimanne, no run, Boult ends a fine spell, his figures read 3/20. On a good length and a hint of movement back into Thirimanne, he is cramped for room and gets an inside edge onto the pads

7.6 Boult to Thirimanne, wide, Boult sprays one well outside leg, wide called

7.5 Boult to Thirimanne, no run, full and on off, Thirimanne gets forward and drives it straight to cover

7.4 Boult to Thirimanne, FOUR, nicely played by Thirimanne, this was short and just outside off, Thirimanne waits on it, arches back, opens the face of the bat, uses the pace of the ball and runs it away towards third man for a boundary

7.3 Boult to Thirimanne, no run, on a good length and angling back into Thirimanne, he prods across and defends it

7.2 Boult to M Jayawardene, 1 run, Boult shortens his length on off, Jayawardene hops across and tucks it behind square for a single

7.1 Boult to M Jayawardene, no run, on a good length and a hint of nip back into Jayawardene, he gets his bat in front of the pads and defends it towards the on-side. Thirimanne wanted a single and is sent back

6.6 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, no run, the perfect yorker from McClenaghan, Thirimanne does very well to get some bat on that and jams it out, another superb over from New Zealand, they are exploiting whatever little is there on this track

6.5 McClenaghan to M Jayawardene, 1 run, McClenaghan drops one short and on Jayawardene's pads, tucked away behind square for a single

6.4 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, 1 run, full and on the stumps, Thirimanne covers for the movement and drives it to the right of mid-on for a single

6.3 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, FOUR, edged and four, this was full and wide from McClenaghan, Thirimanne went for the drive, gets a thick edge that flies to where a 3rd slip would have been. Nathan McCullum dives full length to his left, gets a finger tip on that, but that was never going to a be a chance

6.2 McClenaghan to Thirimanne, no run, lovely shape from McClenaghan, this was full and on off, lures Thirimanne forward before shaping away, nearly feathers a nick through to the keeper

6.1 McClenaghan to M Jayawardene, 1 run, full and on Jayawardene's pads, clipped away behind square for a single

Mitchell McClenaghan, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Lahiru Thirimanne, left handed bat, comes to the crease

5.6 Boult to Sangakkara, out Caught by Corey Anderson!! Huge wicket for Boult, he has three now. This was banged in short and well outside off, Sangakkara was looking for the pull, the ball was too wide though and looked like it hurried onto him a bit, he gets it right of the splice of the bat. The ball was dipping onto the fielder, but Anderson runs in from mid-off, dives forward and clings onto a good one. Sangakkara c Corey Anderson b Boult 4(11) [4s-1]

Boult to Sangakkara, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

5.5 Boult to Sangakkara, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Sangakkara pushes it in front of mid-off and wants a single, sent back by Mahela

The 2nd slip moves across to short cover

5.4 Boult to Sangakkara, no run, Boult drops this one short as Sangakkara shimmied down the track, he wafts and meets thin air

5.3 Boult to Sangakkara, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Sangakkara presses across and defends it towards the off-side

5.2 Boult to Sangakkara, FOUR, Boult goes full and wide, he was looking to make Sangakkara play the drive, there was no swing on this one though. Sangakkara gets down on his knees, gets to the pitch of the ball and drills it through extra cover for a boundary

Two slips in place

5.1 Boult to M Jayawardene, 1 run, on a length and slanting across the right hander, Jayawardene plays with soft hands and gets a single towards mid-wicket

4.6 Corey Anderson to Sangakkara, no run, this is good bowling from Anderson, keeps it full and on off, driven back towards the bowler. A watchful start from Sangakkara

4.5 Corey Anderson to Sangakkara, no run, Anderson keeps it full and gets it to nip away, Sangakkara checks his drive at the last moment and pushes it towards cover point

4.4 Corey Anderson to Sangakkara, no run, full and on off, Sangakkara moves across and defends it back towards the bowler

4.3 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, 1 run, short of a length and angling across Jayawardene, he steers it down towards third man for a single

4.2 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Jayawardene comes down the track and defends it towards point with an open face

4.1 Corey Anderson to M Jayawardene, no run, fuller length delivery and on the pads, Jayawardene looks to nudge it towards the on-side and misses

Corey Anderson, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

3.6 Boult to Sangakkara, no run, another superb ball from Boult, keeps it full and gets it to shape away from the left hander. Sangakkara pokes away from his body and misses, the bowler goes up on an appeal, but he gets no support from his keeper

3.5 Boult to Sangakkara, no run, Boult keeps it full and well outside off, Sangakkara covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

3.4 Boult to Sangakkara, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and shaping away, Sangakkara is happy to let it go

Kumar Sangakkara, left handed bat, comes to the crease

3.3 Boult to Dilshan, out Caught by Ronchi!! The Dilscoop accounts for Dilshan. This was banged in short and on the stumps, Dilshan reversed his stance and was looking to go back over Ronchi's head, gets into a terrible mess in doing so, the ball gets big on him. He ends up getting a glove that loops towards the keeper. Ronchi runs back and completes the catch. Sri Lanka have lost both openers now. Dilshan c Ronchi b Boult 8(11) [4s-1]

Boult to Dilshan, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

3.2 Boult to M Jayawardene, 1 run, on a good length and on off, Jayawardene presses across and nudges it in front of mid-on for a single

2.6 Mills to Dilshan, leg byes, 1 run, full and on Dilshan's pads, the slower ball from Mills, Dilshan looks to flick and misses, sneaks in a leg bye

2.5 Mills to M Jayawardene, 1 run, short and just outside off, Jayawardene gets across and punches it towards backward point. Williamson fumbles and allows a single

2.4 Mills to Dilshan, 1 run, full and on the stumps, Dilshan gets forward and drives it towards mid-on, takes on Anderson and gets home with ease

2.3 Mills to Dilshan, no run, this one sneaks underneath the inside edge, the slower ball from Mills, full and just outside off, does not bounce as much as Dilshan expected, he looks to drive and misses

2.2 Mills to Dilshan, no run, effort ball from Mills, full and well outside off, Dilshan throws his bat at that and misses

2.1 Mills to Dilshan, FOUR, the Dilshan reverse scoop, length ball and just outside off, Dilshan gets across, reverses the bat position and lifts it back over the keeper's head

1.6 Boult to M Jayawardene, no run, Boult slips one on Jayawardene's pads, he looks to flick and misses, another optimistic appeal for LBW, but this was going well down leg

Mahela Jayawardene, right handed bat, comes to the crease

1.5 Boult to K Perera, out Caught by Ronchi!! Umpire Dar sends Perera on his way. The batsman walks off disconsolately, he is stunned with the decision. This was full and on his pads, Perera was looking to flick, was there any bat on that? Ronchi moved across and takes it easily, the appeal was spontaneous, Dar took his time and lifts the dreaded finger. There was some noise as the ball went past the batsman, that turned the tide in Boult's favour. Looks like there was no bat on that from replays, unlucky for Perera. K Perera c Ronchi b Boult 16(8) [4s-2 6s-1]

Boult to K Perera, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

1.4 Boult to Dilshan, 1 run, full and on Dilshan's pads, clipped in front of square on the on-side for a single

1.4 Boult to Dilshan, no ball, beamer from Boult , all action in his first over, the ball slipped from his hands as he aimed a yorker, goes right over the ducking batsman

1.3 Boult to K Perera, 1 run, almost chopped on, Boult fired this one full and wide outside off, Perera was late in bringing his bat down, gets an inside edge that brushes past the leg stump

1.2 Boult to K Perera, FOUR, Perera is looking in good touch already, too short and too wide from Boult, Perera gets on top of the bounce and cuts it square past point for a boundary

1.1 Boult to Dilshan, 1 run, loosener from Boult, full and on Dilshan's pads, whipped away towards long leg for a single

Trent Boult, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Mills to K Perera, no run, agricultural slog from Perera, this was full and angling away, he swings and hard and is beaten by a long way

0.5 Mills to K Perera, SIX, that was close, this was full and on Perera's pads, he gets forward and flicks it powerfully. Neesham was the man at deep mid-wicket, he leaps across acrobatically, gets his finger-tips on that but can't take the catch, the ball goes over the ropes for a maximum

0.4 Mills to K Perera, no run, much better from Mills, tad fuller and on off, Perera gets behind the line and defends it

0.3 Mills to K Perera, FOUR, easy peasy for Perera, length ball on his pads, he shuffles across and flicks it behind square, beats the fielder at short fine and races away to the fence

0.2 Mills to Dilshan, 1 run, nicely played by Dilshan, full and on his pads, he gets forward and clips it wide of mid-wicket, Guptill gets across and keeps them down to a single

A slip is in place

0.1 Mills to K Perera, 1 run, short of a length and on Perera's pads, tucked in front of square leg for a single

K Perera and Dilshan are at the crease. K Perera is on strike. Mills will open the attack

The players are out in the middle. This is a winner take all match, with South Africa already through to the semis. Who will join them? We will get to know in some time.

Pitch report: "There is a cool breeze blowing along. There will be some dew but not much. The pitch is on the slower side. If the ball stays dry, the slower bowlers will get something out of it. The batsmen should not aim too high. 160 will be a good score on this pitch. It will be a good toss to lose", reckons Russel Arnold.

Malinga: "This is a good feeling for me and I am looking forward to do my best for the country. I was struggling with my knee a couple of months ago but I am in good rhythm. The top-order batsmen are in good touch. We are looking forward to score well and try and defend it later. The last game there was a lot of dew but today there is not much. Lakmal, Prasanna not playing."

McCullum: "We got to increase our performance a little bit, we've played okay so far but we have to play very well to beat a side like Sri Lanka. We will bowl first. Still plenty of time for the dew to arrive. Chasing here isn't the worst thing and we'll look to keep them to a par total. My back is alright and we are going in with the same team. We are confident."

New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to field

New Zealand on the other hand had their skipper Brendon McCullum among the runs and with Kane Williamson doing well at the top, need to tackle the Sri Lankan attack, which is filled with a lot of variety, sensibly. Right then, we've seen the dew factor has a considerable amount of influence on the result of the game. Teams bowling second have literally had to bowl with a wet ball and the captain winning the toss, irrespective of the pitch condition, wanted to close his eyes and say 'we are having a bowl.' Will it be the same story tonight as well? We'll find out that and more in a short while.

So then, we are down to the final game of Group 1 and what a cracker of a contest we have on the cards. It's a winner-takes-it-all contest between New Zealand and 2012 runners-up Sri Lanka. Whoever comes up trumps here will book a place in the semi-finals. Sri Lanka will be without the services of their original skipper Dinesh Chandimal as he's been banned for one game for his side's slow over-rate against England. So the side will be led by Lasith Malinga and he'll hope that this will not be the final T20I appearance for Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkar and Mahela Jayawardene, who have announced that this will be their final tournament.

Preview

New Zealand: It's a virtual quarter-final when New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in a Group 1 Super 10s game in the T20 WC in Chittagong on Monday. South Africa are already through to the semis and it now remains to be seen which of New Zealand and Sri Lanka, both with four points each, is the second side to enter the last-four.

New Zealand got off to a lucky start against England, winning on Duckworth Lewis, but faced a reality check against South Africa when Dale Steyn's sensational last over stopped them in their tracks. However, with players like Ross Taylor and the most successful batsman in T20 Internationals, Brendon McCullum in the ranks, the Black Caps will be a potent force.

New Zealand certainly have the fire-power to get the better of Sri Lanka but it could all get down to nerves in a high-profile clash of a high-profile tournament.

Sri Lanka: The sub-continental giants will miss the services of skipper Dinesh Chandimal after he was suspended for one match after a slow over rate in a defeat to England. Lasith Malinga will lead in Chandimal's absence and it could be a great chance to assert himself as a leader in the limited format.

Sri Lanka too have some destructive players in T20 cricket and a defeat Monday evening could mean the end of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumara Sangakkara's T20I careers - both senior batsmen had said before the start of the T20 WC, that this tournament would be their last.

Despite entering the twilight of their careers, both men have been in sublime form. While Sangakkara was majestic in the Asia Cup, Jayawardene showed his class with a blistering 51-ball 89, albeit in a losing cause against England.

Malinga will obviously be key to Sri Lanka's success but another man itching to make some impact would be Ajantha Mendis, the mystery spinner, who went for 52 runs off his four overs, without a wicket against England

Quotes:

As captain I want every single player to prove his skills in tomorrow's game - Lasith Malinga